ONLINE: Wing & A Prayer Flag Workshop with Lisa Thorpe

Want to learn how to dye your own fabric, but don't want to work with messy liquids? Do you love coloring or drawing and want to translate that to fabric rather than paper? Join artist Lisa Thorpe to create cheerful and colorful Wing & A Prayer flags to decorate your garden, patio, or anywhere you want to add a little joy! 

Lisa will demonstrate how to work with fabric pastels on cloth and offer stitching tips along with design and composition basics. Students will get to work colorizing block prints designed by Lisa and composing their own flags with helpful input and feedback. Each participant can make a string of Wing & A Prayer Flags that can be assembled in one of four ways: machine stitched, hand stitched, or with iron-on fusible or a combo of all three - you choose!

This class will be recorded and available for students to view for 2 weeks after class.

Skill level: ✂️

This class is open to all levels. Your stitching can be very elaborate or super simple depending on skills.

Supplies: 

A class kit will be mailed to you for this workshop.* Your kit includes: 

• Set of cotton bird and word block prints created by Lisa
• 15-color set of fabric dye pastels

What participants need to have on hand. (A supplementary supply kit can be purchased from Hello Stitch. If interested, just send us a note!):

• Stash of bits and pieces of favorite fabrics. Each flag panel is 5"×7" so anything that size or bigger works great. (Don’t have a stash of fabric? Then go get 3-4 fat quarters,18" x 22", of fabric in favorite colors and patterns and that will be more than enough.)
• Iron & board or padded surface
• Fabric scissors 
• Sewing machine and thread or supplies for hand sewing
• 2 yards bias tape, ribbon or twill tape  
• Optional: if you prefer not to sew you can fuse your prayer flags instead. You’ll need one yard Misty Fuse or Wonder Under or 1 package Steam-A-Seam 2

*All kits will be mailed to participants. The last day to register for this class will be April 25th to be sure the kits arrive on time. Shipping to US participants only.

About the instructor: 

About Lisa Thorpe -  As an artist I am an explorer and observer first.  I like to wander and wonder, let things percolate while I ponder.  I have numerous sketchbooks full of chicken scratch drawings and cryptic thoughts.  Over time (and often during a long hot shower) an idea will keep rising to the surface, I might even push that thought bubble below the surface, telling it I don’t have time for you, but the best ideas won’t pop and so I move on from thought to action.  I have used many mediums over the years from fabric to painting to printing and collage but the unifying thread through all these mediums is a love of the puzzle.  I like to problem solve, to piece and play with an idea until it can take shape as a visual idea. Once I solve a creative problem I have a drive to share it with others. I have been teaching art to adults and children for many years in the public schools and at art centers and retreats venues across the west. Currently I am the resident artist at The Bishop’s Ranch retreat and conference center outside of Healdsburg, California. I have had technique articles featured in Cloth Paper Scissors, and Quilting Arts magazines and have taught surface design and art quilting workshops at Mendocino Art Center, Craft Napa, and numerous quilt guilds throughout the west.

Feedback from prior students:

"The class far surpassed my expectations.  I have never made my own stamps and I felt fully supported and inspired by Lisa's instruction. The materials she provided were a great way to get started...Her instruction was clear, precise and she did a great job of giving feedback and creating a safe space to try something new.  I was very inspired by others in the class as well.  Because I have to zoom so much for my work, I was hesitant to sign up for a 3 hour zoom class on a Sunday.  Well... I'm so glad I did.  It was worth every minute and Lisa made it feel very personal."

"Lisa was very good about asking if anyone had questions and making sure that shy people had an opportunity to speak and receive feedback. It was a fun and informative class."

"Excellent teacher that clearly explained the process and thoughtfully answered questions."

Cancellation Policy:

Class fees are transferable to another class or to studio credit if cancellation is made at least 72 hours before class. If cancellations are made after the 72 hour advance window has passed, we will not be able to issue refunds or studio credits. You can, however transfer the class to a friend. The class kit fee of $35 is not refundable.

If a student arrives 10 minutes or more after the start of class, it is at the discretion of the teacher as to whether the student will be admitted to the Zoom meeting. No refunds or studio credit will be given for late arrivals or no-shows.